C/^rK^yi^ 




K.'^ 



HISTORICAL SKETCH 



OF 



; /p\ gah:; trcE 



kv^ /n\ t\ 



\ 



f^W^gt^^f J 



\ 



? i 



HAMILTON, N. Y. 



U T I C A : 

D. BENNETT, PEINTER, FRANKLIN SQUARE. 
1852. 



i 



sr^^^g^;^^^s?:^^2^g^^25^s^^.s^s^j^^^^;^s^^5^^* 



AN 



HISTORICAL SKETCH 



OF 






-v 




M 



HAMILTON, N. Y. 




UTICA: 

D. BENNETT, PRINTER, FRANKLIN SQUARE. 
1852. 



lA 



Z 



AN HISTORICAL SKETCH OF 

MADISON UNIVERSITY 



CHAPTER I. 

•Origin and Object of the Institution. Location. Commencement of Instruction. 
Successive Names of the School. Catalogue of Educators. Extension of the 
CoTarse of Studies, and Complete Organization of Departments. Admission of 
Lay Students. University Charter applied for and Obtained. Compact between 
the Education Board and that of the University. Condition and Prospects of th» 
University in 1846, 

The germ of Madison University is to be found in the Incorporation 
of " The BaptistEducation Society of the State of New York," On 
the 24th Sept., 1817, thirteen brethren met at tlie house of Dea. Jon- 
athan Olmsted, in Hamilton, Madison County, N. Y., and formed 
themselves into a Society under the name above mentioned. The fol- 
lowing is a list of the original members : Rev. Daniel Hascall, Rev. 
Nathaniel Kenqirick, Rev. P. P. Roots, Rev. John Bostwick, Rev. 
Joel W. Clark, Rev. Robert Powell, Dea. Jonathan Olmstead, 
Dea. Samuel Payne, Samuel Osgood, Thomas Cox, Elisha Payne, 
Charles W. Hull, Amos Kingsley. Their chief treasures were in 
their faith and prayers. Each member was required to pay one dol- 
lar, as a condition of membership ; at the close of the meeting, there- 
fore, the amount of funds in their treasury was thirteen dollars. 

The object of this organization, as it is distinctly stated in the pream- 
hle of its charter granted by the Legislature, 5th March 1819, is, " to 
educate pious young men to the gospel ministry. " Accordingly said 
charter authorizes the B. E. S. S. N. Y., to " make such Constitution, 
By-Laws, Ordinances, and Regulations for the appointment of officers, 
the Government of the Seminary, and conducting all their concerns, 
as to them shall appear proper. " 

Hence, it is evident, that the Society, thus chartered, did, originally, 
intend lo found a school at which to educate their beneficiaries. 

In the Autumn of 1819, the Education Board made the village of 
Hamilton, the permanent seat of the "Seminary," by virtue of aeon- 
tract, of which the condition was, that the friends of this location were 
to pay to the Society the sum of $6,000. This sum was actually paid, 
^and the receipt thereof duly acknowledged. 

The work of educating students to the Gospel Ministry, commenced 



4 

as early as the 14th of Feb., A. D., 1818. Jonathan Wade, now a 
very worthy and celebrated missionary in Asia, was the pupil first re- 
ceived. In this introductory school, Rev. Daniel Hascall gave in- 
struction in the English, the Latin, and the Greek Language, and Rev. 
Nathaniel Kendrick in Theology. 

But in the Spring of 1820, the " Seminary " was formally opened 
and instructed under Prof. Hascall as Principal. This Institution of 
learning, has preserved its identity though it has borne different names, 
to wit, " School, " " Seminary, " " Hamilton Literary and Theological 
Institution," and, finally, " Madison University, " — all of which, have 
been applied to it on the occasion of certain modifications whicii have 
taken place in the progress of its improvement. 

The following is the list of officers employed in the department of 
instruction, from May 1820, to August 1850: 

Elected. Resigned. 
Rev. Daniel Hascall, A. M., Principal, 

and Professor of Sacred Rhetoric, May, 1820 1836 

Rev. Nathaniel Kendkick,* D. D , Prof. 

of Systematic and Pastoral Theology, 1821 

And President of the Institution, Feb., 1836 

Zenas Mokse, a. M., Tutor,' 1821 

Rev. Bekiah N. Leach, Tutor, 1824 

«' Chancellor Hartshorn, Tutor, 1825 

" Seth S. Whitman* A. M., Prof. 

of Hebrew, and Biblical Criticism, 1828 1839 

*' Barnas Sears, D. D., Prof Lang., 1829 

And subsequently Prof. Bib. The., 1836 

" Joel S. Bacon, D D., Prof. Intel- 
lectual and Moral Philosophy. 1831 1837 

" AsahelC. Kendrick, D. D., Prof Lang. 1832 1850 

And subsequently Prof of Greek 
Language and Literature, 

" Geo. W. Eaton, D. D., Prof Math. 
and Nat. Phil., and afterward 

Prof. Ecc. and Civil History, 1833 

Stephen W. Taylor, A. M., Principal 

of the Acad. Dep't and afterward Prof. 

of Math, and Natural Philosophy, 1834 1845 

Rev. T. J CoNANT, D. D., Prof of Heb. 

and Biblical Criticism, 1835 1850 

Wm Mather, M. D , Inst, in Chemistry, 1838 

John F. Richardson, A M. Prof. Latin 

Language and Literature, 1838 1850 

Rev. John S. Ma&innis, D. D., Prof, of 

Biblical Theology, 1838 1850 

.ToHN H. Raymond, A. M., Prof. Rhet- 
oric and the Eng Language, 1840 1850 
Rev. Philetus B. Spear, A. M., Ad- 
junct Prof. Hebrew, 1842 
Anthony Lamb, A. M., Tutor G'k Phil. 1839 
Rev. Geo. R. Bliss, A. M , Tutor " 1840 

" B F. Bronson, a. M., " Math. 1845 

" Sam'l Graves, A. M., "Math.& 

Nat. Philosophy, 1846 

" Hez. Harvey, A. M., " G'k Phil. 1847 

" W. T. Biddle*, a. M., " Math. &. 

Nat. Philosophy, 1850 

*Deceai5ed, 



In the year 1829, the course of studies was extended to four years, 
in 1831 to six, and in 1833, an eight years' course of studies was pro- 
jected. In 1835, the first senior collegiate class completed its course 
of studies. In 1837-8, for the first time, the three departments, viz : 
Theological, Collegiate, and Academic, were fully developed, the com- 
plement of classes organized, the English and Scientific departments 
harmonized wiih the Classical, two distinct Theological courses estab- 
lished, the one adapted to the qualifications of students from the En- 
glish and Scientific course, and the other, to those who had completed 
the full six years' course of regular Classical studies. 

In 1839, under an arrangement every way adapted to further the 
prime object of the Education Society, the doors of the Institution were 
opened to lay students. This extension of the benefits of sound 
learning, occasioned no change in the studies of the Academic and 
the Collegiate department, (these having previously been the same as 
in most respectable American Academies and Colleges,) no sacrifice 
of the accommodations for ministerial students, and no expense for 
additional teachers, or College buildings. On the other hand, it added 
to the amount of tuition bills ; to the number of patrons, and to the re- 
spectability of the Institution, as a school of literature and science. 
Under this organization, the number of students reached its maximum, 
(viz., 239) in 1842. 

But the Institution had not, hitherto, been empowered to confer de- 
grees ; for this purpose, therefore, it was obliged to depend on the court- 
esy of the Trustees of Columbian College, who, on application, were 
giving diplomas to such of our Classical students as had completed a 
full course of Collegiate studies. 

In these circumstances, the Education Society petitioned the State 
Legislature for a University charter and obtained it, 26th March, 1846. 
By virtue of this instrument, the University is empowered to confer 
literary honors, degrees, and diplomas ; its literary and scientific de- 
partment is subject to the visitation of the Regents of the University of 
the State of New York, and it is entitled to a share of State patronage. 

The charter having been obtained, the relations, rights, and duties, 
of the Board of the Education Society, and ihat of the University, w^ere 
respectively defined in a compact between said Boards, and ratified by 
the Education Society in its 30th annual meeting. 

In the first place, the compact reserves to the Education Society, the 
control of Theological Instruction, by requiring the University Board 
to appoint such Theological Professors, and such only, as are nomina- • 
ted by the Society ; and to remove from the Theological department, 
such Professors, and such only, as the Society shall require to be re- 
moved. Secondly, said compact unites the Academic, the Collegiate, 
and the Theological Department in the same Institution, by empower- 
ing the University Boai'd to appoint the educators in the several de- 
partments, by making said Board responsible for the payment of their 
salaries, and by placing the several departments under the charge of 
■one Faculty. The University Board is further required to make ear- 



6 

aest and extended efforts for the collection of a sufficient endowment, to 
invest and control the principal thereof, and to appropriate the income 
exclusively to the support of literary and scientific instruction in accor- 
dance with the University charter ; and, moreover, to collect and de- 
liver over to the Trustees of the Education Society S. N. Y., the sum 
of $25,000 to be invested by them toward the establishment of adequate 
Theological Professorships. 

To aid the University Board in sustaining, on the Society's premises, 
the requisite departments of instruction, the Education Society grants 
the use of its college edifices, library, and apparatus, to the Universi- 
ty Board, promises, that its entire income from existing endowments 
for Theological education, including permanent funds already secured 
for the support of Professorships, and any hereafter to be collected, 
shall be paid into the University treasury, and engages to place all its 
beneficiaries, (candidates for the ministry) at the said University, and 
pay, for their instruction, the ordinary Bills of Tuition. The Educa- 
tion Society reserves a sufficient number of rooms free of rent, for the 
accommodation of its beneficiaries, and the control of the principal of 
all endowments of Theological Professorships ; and it has the right to 
reclaim said property and income thus granted, and to free itself from 
said compact, by giving to the University Trustees two years' notice 
of its purpose, and of its reasons for the intended dissolution. 

In view of the liberal patronage and facilities afforded by the Edu- 
cation Society, and in the reasonable hope of legislative grants and of 
donations from the friends of sound learning and an enlightened gos- 
pel ministry, there could be little doubt that the University could suc- 
ceed, on the one hand, in satisfying the compact with the Trustees of 
the Education Society, and, on the other, in giving to young men in 
general, who enter on and complete its instituted literary and scientific 
course of studies, an education so liberal and thorough, as to secure the 
approval of the Regents of the University of the State of New York. 

In fact, the organization and arrangements for the instruction of 
young men in general, and for theological students, in particular, were 
now reckoned complete ; the standard of instruction was elevated, the 
number of students was respectable ; the Institution debt was gradual- 
ly reduced from $28,000, to $11,500 ; and, by reason of the judicious 
and convenient division of labors and distribution of responsibilities, 
made practicable by the University charter, still greater efficiency, and 
still better results were confidently expected. 



CHAPTER II. 

Immediate Consequences of an attempt to remove Madison University to Rochester. 
The Recuperative Energy of M. U. and its Condition and Prospects in 1851. 
Elements of the Stability and Prosperity of the Institution. 

But the prosperity of the Society and its University was destined to 
fee iwu'ch hindered from an unexpected quarter. In the autunm of 



1847, there commenced a series of efforts to remove Madison University 
from the village of Hamilton to the city of Rochester. These efforts 
were continued during nearly three years, nor did they entirely cease, 
until restrained by legal decisions, and the influence of brethren im- 
portunate for peace. During the removal controversy, the income of 
the Society was diminished, its debt increased, and its affairs in gener- 
al, much depressed. Many of the students quit the University ; ac- 
cording to the Annual Catalogues, their number was reduced from 216 
to 140 ; but, actually, in the summer session of 1850, there were less 
than 80 students prosecuting their studies at the University, and, at 
the close of this session, five members of the Faculty, a majority of 
the Trustees of Madison University, and the principal Agent of the 
Baptist Education Society S. N. Y., resigned their places and went to 
Rochester, to aid in establishing a new University, and drew after them 
about one-half of the Madison University students. There remained 
in Madison University, only two Professors and 36 students. 

This allusion to the removal controversy, is not made to afford an 
occasion for either censuring or approving the parties concerned. It 
must, indeed, be equally injurious both to Madison University and to 
the seceders to detract anything from the reputation of the latter, for 
it is well known, that four of the five educators, who withdrew, had 
gained their entire reputation for teaching, while connected with the 
old Institution at Hamilton. We would, therefoi'e, candidly say, to 
the credit of both, that what Madison University has done for them, it 
can do for others, and w^hat they have done for it, they can do for Roch- 
ester. 

While, however, we entertain a high respect for the very worthy 
brethren who have left us, we have none at all for the opinion that all 
hope of Madison University,— nay, the University itself has fled with 
four or five educators. Whatever may have been the origin of such 
an opinion, it seems hardly possible, that many good men could adopt 
or express it, except through lack of consideration. Gratitude to God, 
the Author of good gifts, and a decent respect for the Baptists of New 
England and New York, bar the propagation of such an opinion. It 
seems to us to require nothing more than ordinary freedom from undue 
partiality, and prejudice — nothing more than the ordinary exercise of 
good sense and candor, in order to discover and admit as a moral cer- 
tainly, that were all the officers mw belonging both to Madison and 
to Rochester Universities, to quit at once, within one year from the date 
of their resignations, these Universities would be seen officered with 
talented, learned, pious, faithful, and efficient educators, and that too, 
without exhausting this kind of treasures possessed by the Baptist de- 
nomination. Nor is it to be overlooked, that a prospei'ous Literary and 
Theological Institution, which a numerous body of enlightened Chris- 
tians have founded, and, for thirty years, have been engaged in build- 
ing, must of course, be constructed of a great abiindancej^and variety 
of appropriate materials. 

But the allusion to the fact of the secession, is made in order to ac- 



count for an extraordinary change in the condition of the Education 
Society, and to indicate fairly the stability and recuperative energy 
of the University. 

In vievi^ of the extraordinary vantage ground, strength, zeal, and 
perseverance of those engaged in the recent fruitless effort to remove 
Madison University, we take occasion to say, that no human power can 
remove it ; its stability is like that of the everlasting hill on which its 
edifices are founded. 

In proof of its recuperative energy, we adduce the plain facts, that 
within less than two years from the time of its suffering the loss of pat- 
rons, agents, trustees, and educators, in number, wealth, talents and 
attainments, competent to found and sustain a n6w and respectable 
University, the same original Institution stands forth on a strengthen- 
ed pecuniary basis, its amount of property having been more than 
doubled ; its number of students more than tripled ; its department of 
Natural History enlarged and much improved ; its several depart- 
ments completely officered ; its buildings in a good degree, repaired 
and cleansed ; in short, having its condition on the whole, actually bet- 
ter than at any previous period of its history, and its prospects bright- 
ening in the Divine favor. 

Some of the means contributing to the extraordinary vigor and en- 
ergy of this Institution, were seen to be operative in its early history, 
promoting its growth and hastening it to a profitable maturity. Our 
limits will admit only a partial recital of these means, not entirely ex- 
eluding, however, such as have been added or modified by experience : 
A healthy climate, a beautiful and permanent location, the remarkable 
cheapness of goods, fuel, rent, provisions, and the consequent very low 
price of board,* the hospitality and generosity, the good manners and 
morals of the inhabitants in general, and their almost universal regard 
for the University, as the chief ornament and strength of the village in 
which it is embosomed ; the common sense and economy, union of 
prayers, and benefactions in its management and support ; and in view 
of the condition of most of the students when initiated, and the great 
field of labor to which most of them are destined after graduation, it 
has been expressed, for years, as the common belief, that no place can 
be named, better adapted to render their habits and manners such as 
they ought to possess, in order to enter, with advantage, on the active 
duties of life. 

It has enhanced the recuperative energy of this Institution, that its 
relative action has been of a friendly character, provoking no harmful 
opposition to crush it in the hour of adversity. No reasonable com- 
plaint has ever been made against this, by kindred Institutions, for in, 

*It is the opinion of competent judges, that Dry Goods and Groceries, owing to 
low rents, wages, fuel, and board, are cheaper at Hamilton than they are retailed in 
the city of New York. In the best private families and Hotels, the highest price of 
board is $2, with use of rooms ; at the University Boarding Hall, good board is pro- 
vided for $1,25 a week, including lodging and washing. 

See Annual Catalogue of Madison University for 1851-§. 



trenching on their rights, for making arrogant and invidious compari- 
sons, luring away their students, or, in any manner, hindering their 
prosperity. 

It has fervently prayed for others, as for itself, and by honest labors, 
it has, under the Divine favor, created for itself its own patronage. 

Again, though a considerable number of its former patrons and 
friends, have turned away, to build another University in the State of 
New York, yet a large body of freemen, well known for their indus- 
try and thrift, their common sense, piety, and liberality, remain to prav 
and labor, and, if need be, to suffer for the good old Institution at Ham- 
ilton; and it would indeed be very sti'ange if there were not eminent 
contributors to the life and prosperity of the University among her fif- 
teen hundred foster sons, who, during a longer or shorter time, were 
nurtured in her bosom, and of whom there may be reckoned, besides 
Tutors, and Principals of Academies and High Schools, four Presi- 
dents and fourteen Professors in Colleges, forty-one Eastern Mission- 
aries, and a far greater number of Western ; and more than one 
thousand gospel ministers. Of these, we have the happiness to know, 
and thank God for it, that many are proving themselves faithful to their 
Alma Mater, and worthy to inherit her lasting blessing, added to the 
outfit of intellectual and moral wealth and power received, at her hand, 
under the virtual promise on their part, of remembering her and hers 
in their prayers, and of honoring her by their devotion to the cause of 
God and truth. 

Madison University has still another numerous and yet increasing 
class of helpers : we mean those who rejoice in the existence of two 
Universities in the Empire State, to be sustained chiefly by Baptist pat- 
ronage. Some of this class, with a generosity modified by their loca- 
tion and circumstances, 'pray for both and lourk for only one, while oth- 
ers of the same noble class are so favored of God, as to have hearts 
and means sufficiently large to enable their happy possessors to second 
their prayers, by their donations in support of both Institutions. 

In order to disclose more fully the recuperative energy of Madison 
University, it is necessary to allude to a considerable number of its 
constant friends, who precipitated themselves into measures seeming to 
wiply, at least, the right to remove the Institution. 

This error was committed by some of these individuals, from their 
being confident of success in fulfilling the specified conditions on which 
Madison University was to be permitted to remain undisturbed, at Ham- 
ilton ; by others who were influenced by a strong desire to end an un- 
happy and ruinous controversy ; and by a still greater number, who, 
for the time being, overlooked the uncompromising sentinels, viz., eq- 
uity and law, placed, by Divine Providence, to secure the will of the 
founders and patrons of the Institution against violation. 

But these same individuals having honestly recovered from their awk- 
ward predicament, are noro exercising due regard to the design of the 
founders and patrons relative lo the site of the Institution, as clearly 
indicated by the plain anf! valid contract for its permanent location, by 

B 



10 

the application of the Education Society for the charter of a Universi- 
ty to be maintained on the Society's premises, by the style of sundry 
grants and bequests, by the terms of the recent compact between the 
Board of the Education Society, and that of the University, and by 
the explicit decisions of jurists of unquestionable ability and candor. 
Hence, these same friends believing it wrong to separate the depart- 
ments of the University, or to remove it entire, and wrong to suffer it 
to decline in its appropriate location, and stimulated with the recol- 
lection of the loss occasioned by their error, are exerting themselves 
like Christian men determined to raise Madison University even to a 
higher point than that from which it has been depressed, and that too, 
on the very foundations laid for it at Hamilton, and here to leave it to 
their posterity to be improved and sustained during all coming time. 



CHAPTER III. 

iSpecification of Pro-perty for the Support and Use of the Institution. Recent Sub- 
scription for the Endowment of the University. Length of Time during which 
the Professors have been engaged in the business of Instruction, and their present 
devotion to their appropriate duties. Conditions on which the Continuance of the 
Divine Aid and Blessing to bo expected. 

For the satisfaction of those who have already patronized the B. E. 
S. State of New York, and Madison University, and for the encour- 
agement of those whose favor is yet to be solicited, we copy from the 
Sbciety's printed Report, the following general statement of property 
belonging to the Ed. Soc, and annex to it a brief account of a Per- 
manent Fund subscription intended for the support of instruction in 
Madison University. 

[These estimates were carefully made by a judicious Committee' of 
Investigation, duly appointed:] 

2 College Edifices, (100 by 60, and 100 by 56, 4 stories each) $15,000 

2 Professors' Houses, 9,800 

1 Cottage Edifice, (containing Lesture. and Recitation Rooms,) 709 

1 Boarding-House and fixtures^ 4,000 

University Grounds, (90 acres) 4,500 

Furniture for Rooms, 1,200 

Institution Library, 8,000 

Philosophical Apparatus, 1,500 

Missionary Library and Museum,. — 2,058 

Adelphian Soc. Library " 896 

JEonian, » « « 2,036 

Lots in the city of Buffalo, 1,500 

Wild Lands, (690 acres) 690 

2- Houses and Lots, 400 

Bank Stock, 5,500 

Due on Mortgages, Bonds, Legacies and' Notes,. 9,960 

" Scholarships, 7,000 

$67,040 
Deduct on account of Institution Debts,. 11,500 

Net value of property belonging to the B. E, S. S. of New York, f 55,540 



11 

The Committee estimated the Institution Society Libraries at $2,500, 
but they are found to be worth $4,990, and are so reckoned above. 

A considerable sum is due to the Ed. Soc. on Subscriptions and 
Notes not included in the preceding statement. 

Since the Spring of 1850, the Trustees of JM. U. have succeeded 
in procuring, for the endowment of the Literary and Scientific Insti- 
tution under their care, voluntary subscriptions amounting to about 
$70,000, one-fourth of which is already due, and the proper officers are 
engaged in collecting and investing it. Additions are to be made to 
this subscription. 

We subjoin, for the information of those who have not received a 
Catalogue of our current Academic year, the following list of Officers, 
composing our present Board of Instruction : 

" MADISON UNIVERSITY—THEOLOGICAL department. 
Rev. G. W. Eaton, D. D., Prof. Biblical Theology and Insl. in Elected. 

Ecclesiastical History, Aug. 1850 

Rev. E. TuRNET, A. M., Prof, of Biblical Criticism and Interp. " 1850 

LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC DEPARTMENT. 

S. W. Taylor, LL. D., President, and Prof, of Math, and Nat. 

Philosophy. The President now gives instruction in Int. and 

Moral Philosophy. Feb. 1851 

Rev. Geo W. Eaton, D D., Prof of Int. and Mor. Philosophy. 

Dr. E. instructs in Civil History. 
Rev. E. TuRNEY, A. M., Prof. Evidences of Revealed Religion, 
Rev. P. B. Spear, A. M., Prof. Hebrew and Latin Languages, 
E. S. Gallup, A M., Prof. Greek Language and Literature, 
Rev. A. M. Beebee, jr., A. M., Prof. Logic and Eng. Lit., 
LuciAN OsBORN, A. M., Principal Academic Department and 

Adj. Prof Mathematics 
Wm. Mather, M. D., Prof Chemistry, Geology and Mineralogy, 

We invite the attention of those who wish to understand 
state and condition of Madison University, to the facr, that the present 
members of its Board of Instruction are not destitute of the advan- 
tages of experience. The President has been a systematic and prac- 
tical educator during 3'9 years ; Dr. Eaton, 25 ; Prof. Spear, 14 ; 
Prof. Gallup, 10 ; Prof. Osborn, 8 ; Prof Turney,* 1 ; Prof. Bee- 
bee, 3 ; and Prof. Mather has been giving instruction in Chemistry 
and Natural History not less than 24 years. 

For the benefit of candid inquirers after information, we, likewise, 
add, that in the Literary and Scientific Department there has been 
made no lecent change in the course of studies, except to elevate and 
improve it ; that in the Theological Department, without omission or 
abridgment, instruction in the full course, is, faithfully administered ; 
and, that the Father of Mercies in whom is all our strength, is ena- 
bling the educators to carry into effect their unanimous and settled 
resolution to perform the duties of their respective Professorships, with 
a punctuality, a zeal, and a fidelity never surpassed in this Institu- 
tion. 

*Prof. Turney, immediately after accomplishing his course of study at the Ham- 
ilton Literary and Theological Institution, entered the ministry, and regularly dis- 
charged the duties of the Pastoral office, during 9 years. 



" 


18.50 


" 


1850 


Ang. 


18,50 


Oct. 


18.50 


Aug. 


18.50 


Oct. 


1851 


" 


1851 


id the 


real 



12 

While we are sure that God will never suffer the wind to blow 
away an Institution of such attributes and strength of character as He 
has been pleased to give to this, yet we can not expect the continuance 
of the Divine aid and blessing except through the continuance of most 
■earnest prayer, the strictest economy, and our utmost efforts ; in no 
other way, are we to expect to sustain beneficiaries, and pay the 
teachers' salaries, as there has not yet been time to collect and place 
at interest, any thing more than a small portion of the subscription to 
the Permanent Fund. It should, likewise, be borne in mind, that in 
consideration of the use of property afforded to the University by the 
Education Board, and not otherwise compensated, the compact requires 
the University to collect in voluntary contributions as soon as possible, 
the sum of $25,000 and pay it over to the Treasurer of the B. E, 
Soc. of the State of New York, to be invested by said Society for the 
endowm.ent of Theological Professorships. It still requires S5,000 
to complete the proposed Alumni Fund of $10,000, and $5,000 to fill 
the intended subscription of $75,000 for the support of literary and 
scientific instruction. 



CHAPTEPv IV. 

Notice of Dr. Nathaniel Kendrick's Departure. Brief Analysis of his Character 
as especiall}' connected with the Hamilton Literary and Theological Institution. 

On the 11th of September, A. D., 1848, the death of the Rev. 
Nathaniel Kendrick, D. D., clothed Madison University in deep 
mourning. It had previously lost many sensible, pious, and beneficent 
friends; but never one of its Instructors.* 

Though the complete biography, of this great and good man, is ex- 
pected from an abler pen, yet it would be inexcusable in us, not to 
afford room in this epitome, for the mention of those points in Dr. 
Kendrick's character which bore most intimately and effectively, on 
the Institution to v/hose interests he devoted his giant powers during 
the last 30 years of his life. 

In order to appreciate the Dr.'s worth to our -Seminary of learning, 
we must include, in the estimate, his private virtues, through whose 
every-day contact, he communicated his own spirit to those with whom 
he associated, and constantly fostered in them, the elements of char- 
acter, which were adapted to secure correct and harmonious social 
action. These virtues were unimpeachable yeracity and justice ; char- 
ity and candor; benevolence and Christian courtesy; sound discre- 
tion, consunmiate prudence, and practical wisdom. 

Besides these, we ought, particularly, to mention his customary 
deliberation. Nothing could make him hurry. Me inquired diligent- 
ly, and then listened with impartial and patient attention, to whatever 

*The recent death of Prof. Whitman will receive due notice in the next xlnnus! 
Kepojt of the Education Board. 



13 

could be uiged for or against any proposed measure which it was hia 
duty to consider. Hence, the superficial and hasty were liable to 
mistake his views and assign positions to him, without his consent. 
The time wasted by the precipitate in forming and changing their pur- 
poses and conclusions, he spent in deliberate and thorough investiga- 
tion, but when he once reached a conclusion, that was finished, and 
he was free for action. Though to strangers, he, at first, seemed slow, 
yet it is well known to his co-workers that he accomplished an unpre- 
cedented amount of work in a given time. His deliberation saved 
him from retracing his steps, and secured lo him consistency and con- 
stant progress. When fully prepared, he moved with more than ordi- 
nary expedition and power. All that he promised to do, was done 
well and in due season. 

But the great strength of his character was in God. He was strong 
in faith, a man of prayer. He asked, expected, I'eceived, and heeded 
God's direction. His principles were Bible principles, and most judi- 
ciously applied. Hence, his well-known stability, and his firmness of 
purpose. 

He had, withal, a compassionate and generous heart. When he 
saw the millions of our race perishing in their sins, he wept. He 
read, with a resistless force of felt obligation, the Divine command to 
" Go into air the world and preach the gospel to every creature," and 
he lamented over the fewness and feebleness of those prepared to 
obey the command. But miracles having ceased, he was convinced, 
that men, though called of God to preach His gospel, and willing to 
obey, must, by thorough instruction and diligent study, be made to 
understand the substance of their message, and the appropriate meth- 
od of communication. Wherefore, he drank deeply into the spirit of 
ministerial education. He, among the first 13, conceived it to be the 
will of Providence to found a Seminary at Hamilton for the very pur- 
pose of mustering and training pious young men called to the ministry 
of the gospel. 

Possessed of such a character and entertaining such views, Dr. 
Kendrick must needs inquire of the Lord, as to personal duty, and at 
the distinct bidding of his Divine Master, " follow me," promptly ded- 
icate his body and soul to the cares and labors of the Hamilton Literary 
and Theological Institution. He, vvith his associates, observed and 
faithfully followed the leadings of Providence in the pious enterprise ; 
and, after the well-defined organization which took place in 1837, he 
regarded the object, the location, and the general plan of the school, 
as approved of Heaven ; and, thenceforth, he manfully and persever- 
ingly, resisted all material changes. He deemed nothing too hard for 
him to do or suffer, in the good cause which he had espoused, and in 
which he was sure of Divine aid. Accordingly, winter after winter, 
and before the dawn of day, his faith hastened him to the Institution 
chapel for prayer with his pupils. He punctually, at every appointed 
hour, met them in the recitation and lecture-room, and conducted their 
exercises with a thoroughness and zeal evincing the great strength of 
liis intellect, and of his love to God and to man. 



u 

With the same alacrity and intensity of effort, as an agent, he ex- 
posed himself to the countless hardships, and, as Corresponding Sec- 
retary, trimmed the midnight lamp. Forgetting himself and his 
private interests, both at home and abroad, in the social circle and in 
the solemn assembly, before God and before man, as long as health 
lasted, he thought and worked and plead for his beloved Institution. 

But we are next to contemplate the strong man prostrate by the 
afflicting hand of Providence, and placed at the threshold of eternity, 
physically helpless as an infant, yet, spiritually, increasing in strength 
from the invigorating breath and the fresh unction of the Holy One. 

The members of the University are attracted to his room, and prof- 
fer their services as watchers, and accept his invitation to attend, with 
him, a few at a time, a Sabbath prayer-meeting. They are thus 
brought, with no formality or disguise between, near to this man of 
God ; and while, by their generous faithfulness, under the favor of 
Heaven, they are contributing to the length of the Dr.'s life, they are 
receiving in return, no transient blesssing for themselves and the 
Institution. 

During successive days and nights, his pain continues excruciating, 
and he is sleepless except under the influence of the most powerful an- 
odynes; yet not a murmur escapes his lips, his Godly conversation 
is uninterrupted, his heart beats on with Christian fortitude, a ndhe 
continues to praise God for His goodness. Yes, in reply to anguished 
hearts craving for his relief, a portion of his bodily sufferings, he has 
grace to say, with a smile : I have no pain to spare ; it is all an ina- 
lienable gift from my Heavenly Father, who is infinitely wise and 
kind, and I need the undivided use of it, in order to finish the prepara- 
tion for my exit. The young men witness all this. He whispers to 
them of what Jesus is doing for his soul, and exhibits the unveiled act- 
ings of Christian faith and love and hope. When in health, he taught 
in well chosen vvords, the great principles of Christianity, their prac- 
tical application, and their historical and promised results. But now 
he makes manifest the actual results. His attendants behold concen- 
trated. in an individual, the very facts of Christianity, demonstrating 
its power to sustain the human soul amid the wreck of the physical 
constitution. They gain a deeper insight into the mystery of Godli- 
ness ; they are inspired with a stronger confidence in the gospel of 
Christ, and their hearts glow with a holier zeal to practice and preach 
it, as long as they live. 

But this is not all. During three whole years, prostrate on a bed 
of pain, he continued to write and pray for the University ; and when 
his oivn hand could no longer guide his pen, his mighty mind and 
heart, in all their soundness and strength, ceased not from their pious 
toil, but through the cheerful aid of an accomplished and assiduous 
amanuensis, he dispatched his affectionate, earnest, and astonishingly 
successful messages to his brethren, soliciting their sympathy and 
prayers, together with their contributions to defray current expenses, 
and establish a permanent fund for the support of instruction. 



15 

Finally, when in the dark hour of extreme peril, he saw his friends 
in whose ability and faithfulness he had long been accustomed to con- 
fide, quitting the old Institution by scores for a new interest, and, 
especially, when he saw among the seceders several, who, through 
his own choice and personal influence, had been promoted to the most 
important stations in the gift of the Education Board, he gazed intent- 
ly on the mysterious change which Providence was permitting, and 
for the moment, was painfully anxious and perplexed. His frail clay 
quaked beneath his burdened and agitated mind. How could those 
cherished friends quit an interest which had never disappointed the 
faithful laborer of an abundance of fruits to God's glory ! And yet, 
he uttered against them not one bitter word of reproach ; he thouo-ht 
and spoke of the strange facts only. Soon, however, his Christian 
patience and meekness, so severely tested, shone forth with unwonted 
lustre. He saw through the parting cloud, the controlling hand of 
his Father in Heaven, and he was resigned. Nay, he took courage 
on his dying bed, ard consecrated the little remainder of his physical 
strength to aid a chosen friend in framing a circular to be addressed 
to New York Baptists, beseeching them to rally, to hasten to the res- 
cue, and pledge themselves anew to the continued support of the school 
at Hamilton ; and this he confidently believed and asserted there were 
yet many willing to do. But, alas, his worn out body was destined t& 
the grave, ere that circular could be prepared — his earthly service to» 
his favorite " School of the Prophets" was ended in a fervent and (as 
we trust) effectual prayer to his Heavenly Father, to save the dear In- 
stitution from change of place and change of purpose, and brighten it 

again and forever with His smile. No sooner had the High 

priest of Heaven presented the last prayer of this man of God, than 
the pure and earnest spirit that had uttered it, was in Paradise with 
his ever blessed Redeemer. 

In his relations to Madison University, such was the man whose 
death we record. Of such, in part, are the materials of which our 
University has been constructed — materials which the waves of time 
shall never wash away. Centuries hence, whoever will examine that 
noble monument to the glory of God and the salvation of sinners, shall 
find in the foundations, placed at the corner, a large block of granite 
inscribed by the Divine Architect: "Approved." On the reverse^ 
in the same marked style, he shall read: "Nathaniel Kendrick." 

In conclusion, the subscribers would, gratefully, acknowledge the 
honor conferred on them of representing those of their brethren and? 
fellow-citizens who feel constrained to exert themselves in support of 
Madison University, which, being providentially, equitably, and per- 
manently established at Hamilton, they cannot abandon without doing 
violence to their own consciences, disi'egarding the will and expecta- 
tion of its founders and farmer patrons, impairing the reputation of its- 
Alumni, disappointing the churches of well-qualified pastors, with- 
holding the light and bread of life from the benighted and famishing 
heathen, and provoking, by their ingratitude and distrust, the- rebuke 
of their Heavenly Father, who, ever cherishing their hope and trust 



in HiiTi, has, signally, met their prayers and labors with well-timed 
and abundant blessings. 

While thus enojaged, they crave and expect the sympathy and 
prayers, and hope to be cheered, encouraged, and aided by the kind 
wishes, the counsel, and patronage of the friends of God and of man. 

WILLIAM COBB, 

Tres't of the Board of Trustees of B. E. S. S. N. Y. 

HENRY TOWER, 

Fres't of the Board of Trustees of Mad. University. 

STEPHEN W. TAYLOR, 

Fres't of Madison University 



LiBRftRy Qp 



CONGRESS 






